PLASA Survey Report

PLASA, the events association for Event technology has just published, jointly with #WeMakeEvents, the results of its latest survey, looking at the current situation and future recovery of the Live Events industry.

A total of 1,948 respondents from over 40 countries took the survey, providing clear data on how we as an industry continue to be impacted. The survey report details the following: Changes in turnover, income and debt; Changes in work hours, location and status; Shortages in components and goods; Shortages in skilled workers; Working in other sectors; and Confidence in industry recovery. 

The full results can be found here; while you can find below a summary of the main findings:

Financial strain on SME companies and organisations:
• 45% of businesses took on additional debt.
• The number of businesses that turned over less than £50,000 grew by 56%
• Over half predict their turnover will stay the same or decrease this tax year.
• 70% lack confidence about importing and exporting in the short term future.

Challenges facing manufacturers:
• 94% are experiencing delays in components such as microchips, metals and cables.
• The causes involve congestion at ports and a lack of materials, and many in the comments cite a fire incident in a factory and high demand for production.
• Over half expect less turnover, 64% will source new suppliers, 48% will redesign products. Delays in finished manufactured goods:
• 70% are experiencing delays in goods such as lighting fixtures, mixing desks and speakers.
• Delays are said to be caused by a lack of materials, staff shortages, congestion and Brexit.
• As a result, 73% anticipate a decline in work and loss of sales. • All products have seen an increase in cost.
• 62% lack confidence in availability of goods in the short term future.

The availability of skilled workers:
• 69% are experiencing a skills shortage.
• A third of companies will have to delay work and a further third will have to cancel work.
• The majority of shortages are occurring with on-site workers.
• Over a third are having to retrain engineers and technicians.
• 74% lack confidence in availability of skilled workers over the coming months.

Challenges facing our industry’s freelancers:
• Earnings of less than £10,000 has jumped to 56% and top earners have dropped by 78%.
• 30% predict a decrease in earnings in 2022.
• 64% had to find work in other sectors, and 17% found work in Film & TV.
• Half have returned full time. Full-time freelancers have dropped by 52%
• Lead times have reduced, with an increase in those with no work at all and a reduction in those with work planned for a year ahead.
• Touring abroad has dropped by 60%, with 63% lacking confidence in working abroad.